New research reveals that individuals who come off new slimming jabs like Mounjaro or Wegovy can put back on lost weight at a significantly accelerated pace than those who stop traditional diet and exercise programs.
Research printed in a major medical journal demonstrates that while overweight people can lose about a fifth of their total mass while on the medication, the mass comes back at an average rate of 0.8 kg per month after stopping.
"Individuals buying these drugs need to be aware of the danger of quick weight regain when the therapy ends," stated lead investigator Dr. Susan Jebb.
Such speed of recovery means a return to original weight within about one and a half years.
Analyzing Therapies
The study, which looked at dozens of trials involving thousands of participants, compared the outcomes of GLP-1 agonists with older methods.
The team point out that people who shed pounds through diet and exercise usually experience a less rapid weight regain—perhaps 100 grams monthly—post-intervention.
Explaining the Fast Regain
Nutrition scientists suggest the mode of action of the drugs is key to understanding the accelerated regain.
These medications mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite.
"Long-term administration of the hormone levels far above than normal may cause the system to produce less of its endogenous hormone, and could reduce sensitivity to its actions," noted Dr. Adam Collins, a dietetics specialist.
"Withdrawal of this hormone supplement leads to hunger is unsuppressed, making overeating far more likely."
A Lifelong Issue?
Medical guidelines recommend the jabs for people with weight-linked medical conditions, accompanied by recommended diet and exercise modifications.
Professionals argue that, due to the significant potential of relapse, the therapy should be considered ongoing.
This view is echoed by pharmaceutical companies, who state that the findings "emphasize the persistent character of obesity," comparing it to managing diseases like diabetes.
User Experiences
Users who have discontinued the medication explain a sudden resurgence of cravings.
"It felt as if a switch activating and you're instantly ravenous," described one woman.
This difficulty is compounded if users have not adopted sustainable dietary or behavioural changes during therapy.
Widespread Adoption
Survey data indicate that millions of adults in the UK have tried these injections in the last 12 months, with interest remaining high.
- Adoption is more common among women than males.
- The 40s and 50s demographic shows the greatest level of interest.
- A large proportion obtain the medications through private prescriptions rather than the NHS.
Finally, researchers stress that while these medications are potent agents for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and maintained weight loss relies on integrated behavioural management.
